I am here to help you and
your child succeed in school! I provide
small group and individual counseling to students; classroom counseling lessons
to students in all grade levels Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6;
provide resources to teachers and parents; facilitate parent workshops; a team member of
the school staff for PBIS activities and events, collaborate and consult staff members and
other educational professionals such as the School Psychologist, Pupil
Personnel Worker, School Nurse, Reading
Specialist, and Special Education Teachers.

Please do not hesitate to email
or call me or complete a referral to schedule an appointment if you have a question or concern about your child
or their progress in school.

The function of education is
to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus
character - that is the goal of true education.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

What is a School Counselor?

A school counselor is a type of helper in the school. The primary focus of a school counselor at the elementary level is prevention. My main objective is to help all students learn basic life skills and help your child have a successful school year. Often times, non-academic issues can get in the way of a student’s learning (especially during these early developmental years). Addressing these issues can help your child to succeed in school!

School Counseling is a short term resource. If there are greater issues that need extensive attention, I will be glad to assist you in finding an outside counselor to work with your child. I in turn can maintain contact with your student’s counselor or therapist to ensure that therapeutic goals are supported here in school.

Counseling References

Individual Counseling – I talk with students on a short-term, confidential basis on either an issue that has been brought to my attention or what the student feels that they need to discuss. I do not force a child to communicate. It is their choice to communicate or not. On our first individual meeting, it is disclosed to the student that my primary concern is the safety and well-being of the child. If I feel a child is in danger, another professional adult must be notified.

Response Services – I am here to assist students with coping when there is a crisis. I also respond to immediate issues that have occurred during school hours that prevent the student(s) from actively participating in class.

Guidance Lessons – Here at Longfields Elementary, we provide character education lessons that are developmentally appropriate and preventative in nature. Character Education covers topics such as (friendship, bullying, respect, responsibility, and much more).

Systems Support – A counselor is available for consultation with parents/guardians, teachers/staff, and other professionals as needed. This intervention can take place in individual or group conferences, or through staff development. In addition, referrals are made to outside agencies when needed.

Here are some reasons a student may want to see the counselor:

• “I’m getting picked on at the bus stop and I don’t know what to do about it.”• “My best friend isn’t talking to me and it makes me feel sad.”• “I want to show you what I just made in art. I’m very proud of it.”• “I’m new to this school and I’m very scared.”• “My dog died over the weekend and I am sad.”• “I just want to talk to someone who will not laugh at me.”• “My mom and dad just told me they are getting divorced.”• “Tim, Sam, and I had a problem at recess. Can you help us work it out?”

Here are some reasons a parent might want to talk to the counselor:

• “My husband I are getting divorced and we think our kids could benefit from talking about it with other kids. Is group counseling available?”• “Tina just doesn’t want to go to school in the mornings.”• “I’m concerned because Allen tells me he doesn’t have any friends.”• “We recently had a death in the family, and I’m not sure my child is handling it well.”• “Kevin is having difficulty paying attention in the classroom.”• “It’s almost impossible to get Jason to do his homework at night.”“I’m looking for some resources (books, websites, videos) on how to deal with a certain issue regarding my child”